Parents take care of your children

The Closet (2020)

Since it's October, though I'd watch a few horror or suspense movies this month. And this is my 5th HJW movie this year.

The Closet is about a father and daughter who moves to a new house after a traumatic accident. Yup moving to an old abandoned house in the middle of nowhere is always a good idea. LOL.

So one day the child disappeared while the father was out in Seoul working. While searching for her daughter he meets a modern exorcist who tells him that a lot of kids who lived in the house have disappeared for years and he will help find his daughter.

The movie is only 1 hour and 39 mins and I think that's why the movie felt emotionally incomplete. We know what happened during the accident but we didn't see enough reasons why there was a strained relationship between the father and daughter, enough for the ghost to take her to her special world. It just felt like both were grieving and the father didn't know how to cope and raise his child alone. The daughter seemed sad but i didn't think she hated her father.

There weren't a lot of scary scenes, the ghost of the darkness are probably the scariest but the rest were just enough creepiness. We also didn't get enough background of the exorcist and his shaman mother. So far i've seen KNG play a fiery priest, now an exorcist and i think his new drama is also about exorcism.

The reason for the ghost was heartbreaking and it felt like they could have explored the main social message in the epilogue better to have a deeper impact to the people watching.

Rating: 8/10

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Ruoxin is an inspiring character

The Rational Life (2021)

Likes
1. I loved Ruoxin as the main character. I thought she was very inspiring on how she was able to deal with office politics in a male dominated company, and how she is able to handle crises, and how she relied on her skills and efforts to climb the corporate ladder.
2. I also loved Qi Xiao, he was mature and can do anything. Cook, design jewelry, sweet, support Ruoxin. We also saw how he grew up and thrive in the office, starting from an assistant who just followed his boss to a competent one who can also make good decisions. I'm glad he was able to follow his dreams of being a designer.
3. I loved the story of Ziyan and her husband. They had a rocky marriage, i was almost sure that I hated her husband and wanted her to leave him, but i loved how they were able to talk through their issues and stay together.
4. I also liked Suyang and Sijie, they were so cute together, although there were times i wanted to get angry at Suyang, i'm glad he has Sijie by his side who didnt stop believing in him.

Dislikes
1. Ruoxin's voice is always so soft and calm even in urgent situations. She only raised her voice one time for the entire 35 episodes, even when she was angry, her voice was still soft.
2. All of the older guys in the office and her suitors were jerks except Xu Mingjie who was half a jerk.
3. Ruoxin's mom was so off, im not sure if it's the acting or the character. One day she will be sweet and kind, the next day she will scream at Ruoxin. Then another day she will cry and be scared. I didnt know what she wanted for Ruoxin and thought she was selfish.

I wonder where i can find the special episodes? Netflix does not have them.

Rating: 9/10

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Gonna miss the 99z squad

Hospital Playlist S2 (2021)

Likes
1. Not as exciting as s1 but still loved their relationship and seeing their day to day activities
2. The first few songs released didn't feel as nice as s1 but made up for it in the latter part, esp hearing my old faves like I Love You More Than Anything and Already One Year being remade.
3. The friends started out as single, now they all have someone by their side. Esp loved Ikjun-Songhwa and Seokhyung-Minha. I didnt like what Iksun did to Junwan but still loved them. Never been a fan of Winter Garden. Rosa and Director was also great!
4. There were less stories about the nurses and interns this season but i loved the episode about the importance of the ER team.
5. One of my fave characters this season is Jaehak, his bromance with Junwan, his story about his wife and getting his money back from the scammer!

Dislikes
1. I'm not a fan of medical dramas so to me each episode was too long and focused more on the medical procedures and felt so boring. I fast forwarded the last 3 episodes' scenes in the operating room.
2. Maybe because of the above, the personal stories didnt get as much attention. Like Seokhyung suddenly liking Minha. Or Jeongwon suddenly announcing he was leaving for a year.

I'm gonna miss the group! I really hope they still find time to meet up with the band and not be too busy just because they're all coupled up.

Rating: 8/10

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Fantastic sequel

Along With the Gods: Last 49 Days (2018)

The theme is about forgiveness. This time it's Kim Su Hong's turn to go through the trial. Just like Suhong i felt like the trial was just a convenient excuse to go through the final judgment and reveal all the twists which were a lot.

In the first movie Gangrim was in Seoul and the other 2 were with Jahong. Now it's the other way around. The 2 were in Seoul in Sungju trying to find out what happened to them while Gangrim was obsessed with winning Suhong's case.

Suhong's character was annoying so I didnt really care much about his case. Although I already predicted halfway through the story it was still shocking to find out how the 3 guardians were related to each other and why they ended up being guardians. Ha Jung Woo again was amazing, Ju Ji Hoon was funny and Kim Hyang Gi was precious.

The final reveal about Gangrim's father was the last twist I didnt expect!! If only Gangrim knew all along.
"Did the thousand years of regret feel like hell?"
"No. The fact that I cannot beg for his forgiveness and that I cannot be forgiven. That has been my worst hell."

I enjoyed both movies. Not sure if they will ever make part 3, because they wrapped up everyone's story, but I wouldnt mind seeing the 3 guardians again!

Rating: 8.5/10

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For the noodle lovers

I love noodles, esp stir fried, dry or cold noodles so I was salivating the whole time I was watching this show. I’m not a fan of noodle soups. I tend to eat the noodles and meat and not finish the soup.

I have only tasted authentic milmyeon back in 2017 when I went to Busan and it was as good as it looks!

I didnt realize there were so many ways to cook the naengmyeon broth.. there’s beef, seafood, water kimchi, and a mix of beef, pork, chicken broth. I also loved the last few minutes where they showed the new and innovative ways to serve naengmyeon. I wish I will be able to try them all!

I hope Park Jong Won continues the rhapsody series coz it’s very informative and delicious 🥰

Rating: 9/10

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Epic adventure

Never thought to see a pirates movie from Korea and it somehow worked. I think it took a lot of inspiration from Pirates of the Caribbean but still distinctively Korean. However, with the ridiculous premise of the royal seal getting swallowed by a whale, I was expecting more comedy action than serious action. With Kim Nam Gil, Yu Hae Jin, Kim Won Hae in the cast, they could have used their comedic skills to put some fun in this drama. Like Robin Williams’ Hook.

Nevertheless, I still enjoyed this immensely, even with the silly plot. I have watched more Son Ye Jin dramas and movies where she is crying or getting romantic so it’s a nice change for me to see her to action (I know she can do action, just haven’t watched them). This movie is made up of a stellar cast, I didn’t name them all in the main cast section, just the main leads and the baddies.

The movie is quite long, the first part gave a background to set the expectations and motives of the story, the second part is how the two separate lives of Sa Jung and Yeo Wol get entangled together, and the third act is where everyone comes together to have an epic battle on the high seas. There was also a mini romance between Sa Jung and Yeo Wol which was inserted in and which I loved.

Overall, fun adventure movie good for a rainy Friday night!

Rating: 8/10

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Love heals all wounds

So Ji Sub really makes sad tortured souls with a heart of gold look so dreamy. or maybe I am just a big fan of him. I couldn't stop staring at his eyes, brushing his messy hair and hug him and say "It's alright". Jung Hwa is lucky she meet a decent guy who didn't care if she was blind, and didn't take advantage of her. It was just a bonus that Cheol Min was handsome and sexy.

I actually didn't expect a happy ending since Korean movies tend to go darker than Kdramas. I really thought Cheol Min will sacrifice himself by donating his own eyes to Jung Hwa because he felt guilty that he indirectly caused the accident that made her blind. Maybe because I just recently re-watched this super classic music video of Kiss - Because I'm a Woman. LOL.

I can't say I agree with Cheol Min's idea to pay for Jung Hwa's surgery but I guess that's the best that he could do given the situation. And him not contacting Jung Hwa after was understandable since he was also in pain and needed to recover.

That scene when Jung Hwa finally recognized Cheol Min made me also cry and I'm so happy when they met again!! Cheol Min accepted Jung Hwa as she were, and likewise, Jung Hwa is there to support Cheol Min too. I believe they are still together now, and still very happy!

Rating: 8.5/10

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Scary thriller!

The Call (2020)

Scary!! The movie is about a girl who is able to communicate to a girl who used to live in the same house using an old wireless phone. Just when she thought she saved her from being killed by her stepmom, turns out she unleashed a monster.

I was loving the movie until that gas explosion scene and the story went downhill very very fast.

I'd blame this with the main protagonist who I thought was dumb. Everything that happened to her happened because she made too many stupid decisions.

And the while parallel universe logic was too simple and unbelievable. Everything changes in the future but its only physical. She never gets the memories from the past and that knowledge to help her win against the girl.

And that final twist at the end was too much. I almost didn't see it because I thought the movie was over and wasn't paying attention. I'd say they should have scrapped it.

Rating: 7.5/10

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It's more Ordinary than Crazy

Crazy Romance (2019)

Gong Hyo Jin is the queen of romcom! 😊 Supposedly the literal translation of this movie is "The Most Ordinary Romance" and I think it is more appropriate than "Crazy".

There's nothing crazy about the movie, just 2 adults who came out of failed relationships, had misunderstandings and gradually (or grudgingly) fell in love. I like it because it felt real.

The only thing I didnt like was there were too many drunk scenes that I was also confused like them if what they were saying were sincere or it was the liquor talking. But i think from the very start they already noticed each other, and felt the same pull, that's why even heartbroken they couldnt stay away.

Rating: 8.5/10

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Feel good holiday romance

New Year Blues (2021)

This is a story of 4 different couples a week before New Year. The movie is quite long, clocking in at almost 2 hours. Halfway I was started to get a little bored because the story kept switching between the 4 couples. I think 4 was too much. This would have been better if there were only 3 couples that we needed to focus on.

My fave couple was Kim Kang Woo and Yoo Inna (or maybe I'm just biased towards Kangwoo 😊).

My fave story/ending was Lee Dong Hwi and Chen Du Ling plus Yum Hye Ran as the sister.

The most romantic setting is Lee Yeon Hee and Yoo Yeon Seok in Argentina although their story seems out of place. (Sidenote: why does Yeonhee keeps going abroad when she gets heartbroken lol) and the funny cameo of Choi Siwon

The one I was confused because I didnt know why they were fighting in the first place was Yoo Teo and Choi Soo Young

Overall it was a nice holiday film.

Rating: 8.5/10

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Where it all starts

Kingdom: Ashin of the North (2021)

Perfect prequel/side story that gives a background about Ashin and how the resurrection plant and the zombies started in Joseon.

After watching Kingdom S2, I was hoping that Ashin will be the person who can help Chang and Seobi solve the plague. But turns out it all started with her story. (Dont want to spoil for those who havent watched it yet.)

The special episode took time to build the narrative as the adult Ashin only comes out almost halfway through the story (and the scene was fantastically shot). As always, my Queen Jun Ji Hyun slayed the role. Even when Ashin barely spoke any lines, you can feel the pain and anguish (and lifelessness) in her eyes and her actions.

When the zombie scene starts, I felt both horrified that "omg, that's where it all started" and triumphant "yes, go Ashin burn those lying scumbags". Ashin is the definition of "You dont freaking mess with my tribe." 😡

I was slightly disappointed with Min Chi Rok. He was one of my fave sidekicks of Lee Chang and want him to stay alive. But he was terrible here. I know he did it for the sake of peace but I think Ashin will not let him live once they meet again 😭 my only complaint is Min Chi Rok didnt age in this movie. He looks the same when Ashin grew up.

That final twist at the end was shocking🤯 but it also made my eyebrows raised thinking how Ashin managed to do it alone. 🤔

I'm excited for yet dreading when Chang meets Ashin in Season 3. Chang needs to find a way to sate Ashin's hunger for vengeance while keeping his people alive. Maybe they can find a compromise, but I think Ashin will die once she gets her revenge (and I want her to have it just dont kill all the other innocent people).

Rating: 9/10

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Sweet romance between an author and his editor

Moonlight (2021)

My first completed CDrama for the year!! Light romcom with a few heart tugging scenes.

Likes:
1. Hands down the winning chemistry between Zhou Chuan and Chu Li. They were perfectly matched.
2. One of the best bromance between Zhou Chuan and Jang Yu Cheng. I love their friendship.. they tease each other and always try to be better than the other. But they also have each other's backs when needed. Zhou Chuan supported Yu Cheng during his break ups and his new novel, Yu Cheng advises Zhou Chuan on relationships and duing the ghostwriting scandal.
3. The relationship between Zhou Chuan and his father was also a memorable one. I love Ryan Ding's acting.
4. The publishing house setting and having a glimpse of how book publishing works.
5. The visuals and the nice soundtrack.

Dislikes:
1. I didnt like eps 31-35 that much. It could have been compressed into 3 episodes.
2. The second leads' love story was boring esp the first half. I fast forwarded any scene related to the old lady.
3. Chu Li's unbelievable editorial skills. She was intern and was able to sign the best authors without any experience. She rose to deputy editor to chief efitor in just 4 ( or 5?) Years which is also unlikely. And whoever styled her should have been fired. She was always in baggy clothes or casual attire in the office.

Rating: 9/10

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It's better to have loved than not have loved at all

Youth of May (2021)

I already saw a lot of spoilers before i started watching so i think it took a bit of enjoyment from watching this drama.

Likes
1. Beautiful ending. It was sad but still beautiul. It took him 40 years to finally move on 😭 cant imagine how that feels. But im happy they found her so he can always visit her when he misses her.
2. All through out i kept thinking whose fault it was. I'd say they were too young and made emotional decisions. If they more more mature they probably wouldn't have died. Had Hee Tae stopped pursuing her, Myung Hee could have gone to Germany and lived. Or Hee Tae could have married Suryeon to appease the family and live separate lives. Or he could follow to Germany in a few years. But I also came to the same conclusion as Hee Tae. They chose to fight for each other so although it was hard, they made that choice and they have to live with the consequences. At least they had that May that he will always remember. Better to have loved and lost than to not have loved at all.
3. Oh the one who is at fault is Myung Soo. Lol. He was too young but later on he must have realized he basically killed his dad and sister in one night because of his foolishness. Maybe thats why he ended up being a priest.
4. Mixed feelings about Suryeon. She was mostly selfish which is weird since she is brave protesting against the government but she cant even protect her best friend. But I think it's not her fault -- Hee Tae would have met and pursued Myung Hee even without the blind date. And i didnt feel enough remorse from her over Myung Hee even in the present, she was nowhere to be found, just a brief statement that she is now a lawyer.
5. Myunghee's dad 😭😭😭 and all those brave and innocent people who died that time. 🙏

Dislikes
1. The first few episodes were boring, i almost stopped but kept on because Lee Dohyun is too cute.
2. I wanted to know what happened to Soo Chan.

Rating: 8.5/10

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Crazy and fun! I want more!

Likes
1. Fast paced, there's something happening every scene you can't stop watching.
2. Loved Yoonchul's pivotal role in season 2. He wasn't really a bad guy, he just had to make choices. I still want him to end up with Yoonhee.
3. Seojin's fall from grace and the power struggle between Seojin and Dantae! What Seojin went though with Dantae was horrifying! Absolutely loved Seojin's acting when Joo Dan Tae was getting arrested!
4. All the ladies working together to take down Joo Dan tae and the surprising twist after.
5. They all got what they deserved. Finally Min Seol Ah case is resolved.

Dislikes
1. I hope characters stop "dying" and surviving because it is getting old.
2. Didnt really care much for Aegyo and Suryeon although i know they are the leads. I'm more interested in Seojin, Dantae and Yoonhee.
3. It's impossible but I don't want Eunbyul to come back.
4. Probably one of the few who does not like Logan and actually happy with the season finale.

Excited for season 3 and the introduction of new characters!! Wish that Penthouse never ends!!

Rating: 9.5/10

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